按照 ànzhào means “according to” or “following” a method, rule, instruction, or plan. You do something the way it says.
一 按照 / 按 + Rule or Method
按照 / 按 + rule / method / instruction (+ Verb)
按照 ànzhào is followed by a rule, method, or guideline, and then usually the action you take. The shorter 按 àn means the same thing and sounds a bit more formal and concise.
按照你的意見意见，我們我们應該应该怎麼辦怎么办比較比较好？
In your opinion, what’s the best thing for us to do?
按醫生医生的說法说法，我還有还有三個个月的生命
According to the doctor, I have three more months to live.
按照課本课本的解釋解释，這個这个文法可以用在很多地方地方
According to the textbook, this grammar point can be used in lots of situations.
按規則规则，你現在现在得抽一張张機會卡机会卡
According to the rules, you have to draw a Chance card now.
你沒没按照說明書说明书使用，東西东西壞掉坏掉我們我们當然当然不負責负责
You didn’t use it according to the instructions, so of course we’re not responsible if it breaks.
我不會不会按照我父母的安排跟她結婚结婚
I won’t marry her just because my parents arranged it.
二 Related Phrase: 按理來說按理来说
按理來說按理来说, …
理 lǐ means 理 (“reason, logic”), so 按理來說 ànlǐ láishuō按理来说 ànlǐ láishuō means “logically speaking” or “in theory.” It’s often used when reality doesn’t match what should happen.
按理來說按理来说，他通常這这時間时间已經已经到家了…
Logically, he’s usually home by this time…
按理來說按理来说，我都按食譜食谱做的，不應該应该這麼这么難吃难吃啊
In theory, I followed the recipe exactly, so it shouldn’t taste this bad!
按理來說按理来说，沒有人没有人會会白目到去跟老闆老板說说
Logically, no one would be clueless enough to go tell the boss.
FYI: 白目白目 báimù is Taiwanese slang for someone who’s tactless and can’t read the room, like saying exactly the wrong thing at the wrong time.
三 按照 vs. 根據根据
Both can be translated as “according to,” but 按照 ànzhào is about following rules, instructions, or plans, while 根據 gēnjù根据 gēnjù is about information you base a conclusion on, like research or reports.
按照 · follow it
我們我们按照計畫计划進行进行
We’ll proceed according to plan.
根據根据 · based on it
根據根据研究，多喝水對对身體身体好
According to research, drinking more water is good for you.
四 Common Mistakes
❌ 按照研究，多喝水對对身體身体好
✅ 根據根据研究，多喝水對对身體身体好
Research is information, not a rule to follow, so use 根據 gēnjù根据 gēnjù.
❌ 按照我，這这個个方法不好
✅ 按照我的意見意见，這这個个方法不好
按照 ànzhào needs a method, rule, or opinion after it, not just a person.
❌ 你要按照說明書说明书
✅ 你要按照說明書说明书使用
按照 ànzhào is a preposition, so the sentence still needs a verb: follow the instructions to use it.
五 Practice
Tap the words below in the right order to build the sentence, then check your answer. If it’s wrong, you can try again as many times as you like, or hit “Show answer” if you get stuck. Careful: some tiles are traps and are not needed!
Question 1 of 10
“Everyone, please line up according to your numbers.”
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❌ Try Again
請请大家按照號碼号码排隊排队
Following an order → 按照 ànzhào.
“I’ll prepare lunch based on everyone’s eating habits.”
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我會会按大家的飲食饮食習慣习惯準備准备午餐
The short form 按 àn.
“Your salary will be adjusted according to seniority.”
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你的薪水薪资會会按照年資年资調整调整
按照 ànzhào + rule + verb.
“Please do it the way the teacher explained.”
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請请按照老師老师的說明说明做
Following instructions → 按照 ànzhào.
“Please use it according to the instruction manual.”
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請请按照說明書说明书使用
Don’t forget the verb at the end.
“According to the rules, you have to draw a card.”
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按規則规则，你得抽一張张卡
你得按規則规则抽一張张卡 is also correct.
按規則按规则 can open the sentence or come before the verb.
“Logically speaking, he should have arrived by now.”
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按理來說按理来说，他現在现在應該应该到了
按理來說 ànlǐ láishuō按理来说 ànlǐ láishuō, often with 應該 yīnggāi应该 yīnggāi.
“I followed the recipe, so it shouldn’t taste this bad.”
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我都按食譜食谱做的，不應該应该這麼这么難吃难吃
Cooking fail. 🍳
“According to research, sleeping more is good for you.”
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根據根据研究，多睡覺睡觉對对身體身体好
Research is information → 根據 gēnjù根据 gēnjù, not 按照 ànzhào.
